This is a lovely run through the forest, with lots of climbing but also some fantastic, long descents. There aren't any spectators apart from plenty of mountain bike-riders. This year we started in perfect sunshine, had hail just past the halfway point, then rain and finally more sun. I liked getting a mug as a souvenir - more useful than a medal - and also I received a nice wooden plate as an age group prize. It's the scenery - the lakes and trees - that make this race a real winner, especially if you've had an overload of big-city races.

A very pleasant, low-key affair in the Nordic wilderness, beginning and ending on the northern edge of Oslo. A very hilly and challenging course run mainly on off-road tracks with a small stretch "off track" between KMs 31 and 33. The skies opened shortly after beginning and got us thoroughly drenched - not a good omen when you're cold and soaking after 8 KMs, but thankfully the Norwegian summer showed its face to dry us off. Showers continued throughout the afternoon but it wasn't enough to dampen the mood as a jog in the woods is an enlightening experience, even when you're staring at the ground whilst tackling a gargantuan hillside.

No complaints about the organization. The website had details in English for the non-Norwegians and everything passed off very smoothly. The entry fee included a smart training t-shirt, registration and the finisher's prize was a mug. To be honest, I would have preferred a medal to a mug, and think the 500 NOK (50 GBP or 100 USD) entry fee could have supported this memento. That was really the only disappointment.

I won't run it again, but recommend it to anyone who fancies a pleasant afternoon in the alpine countryside. Be prepared to be on your own for a long time and don't expect a PB, but you WILL enjoy it.

I have run this marathon in 2006 and 2007 and enjoyed it immensely on both occasions. It certainly is not a race for the speed and breaking any world speed records, but it does break world records for views that nature can show you. There is one part of the run where I had to walk because of the boulders, rocks and tree roots, but that only lasted for about 1 to 2 KM. It is very hilly and it seems as if they never end, but when you reach the turnaround point, life seems to get easy.
The only spectators were at the beginning and end with the drink stops being the only other locations to meet people.

There are changing and shower facilities and somewhere to keep all you possessions safe, although the sports area is very safe and I left my washing and change items outside and they were there when I returned on both occasions (although I left no valuables).

I am looking forward to running it again.

I ran this marathon in 2007 and enjoyed it immensely. Having run many marathons on roads, I looked forward to running on forest trails. The course did not disappoint. We ran over hills and through at least one stream. There were places where one had to tread carefully because of large boulders, but this only made the journey that much more interesting. It is not a course for speed, but rather for enjoyment of the wonderful Norwegian outdoors and a scenic view beyond imagining.